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EMI vs ISLANDAIRE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical EMI model beats 62% and a typical ISLANDAIRE model 17%. EMI rates higher overall.

Covers heat pumps sold new today (R-454B and R-32 refrigerant). See older R-410A models · Updated

EMI

62%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

15 models listed

ISLANDAIRE

17%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

15 models listed

Rating by ratingEach bar is the share of same-size, same-type heat pumps that a typical model beats, so the two brands compare fairly even if they make different sizes.
  • Efficiency on a 5°F dayCOP at 5°FEMI: Beats 56%ISLANDAIRE: Beats 22%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FEMI: Beats 63%ISLANDAIRE: Beats 17%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2EMI: Beats 69%ISLANDAIRE: Beats 5%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2EMI: Beats 61%ISLANDAIRE: Beats 19%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2EMI: Beats 60%ISLANDAIRE: Beats 20%

Average (50%)Dashed outline: the other brand, for comparison

Want ranks, distributions per size class and cold-weather curves? Switch to Advanced

Rebate standards

Share of each brand’s models that meet the level. Programs can have other rules too.

  • CEE 2025

    EMI
    87%
    ISLANDAIRE
    0%

  • Xcel CC

    EMI
    73%
    ISLANDAIRE
    0%

  • CEE Advanced

    EMI
    7%
    ISLANDAIRE
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    EMI
    73%
    ISLANDAIRE
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless up to 1.5 tons

Only units that keep at least 70% of their heat at 5°F, ranked on heat kept, efficiency at 5°F and seasonal efficiency (HSPF2), against units their size.

Showing Ductless, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

EMI

  1. 1EMXSZ106DAwith ductless indoor unit EMXWAL06DAEMI0.5 tons · 6,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 110% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    110% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.40 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    14.8 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    96.7score / 100
  2. 2EMXSZ118DAwith ductless indoor unit EMXWAL18DAEMI1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.92 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    73.8score / 100
  3. 3EMXMZ218DAEMI1.5 tons · 19,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 95% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    95% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.4 (HSPF2)
    Great
    73.1score / 100

ISLANDAIRE

No ductless, up to 1.5 tons model from ISLANDAIRE.

These are certified test ratings, not a recommendation for your home. The right size comes from a load calculation by a contractor.

Next steps

The advanced view adds ranks, both brands’ models inside every size class, standout models per rating and cold-weather curves.

Open the advanced view